Woman facing $2875 fine for pet bird that's 'too big'
Sue Mariner said she's devastated at the thought of giving up her parakeet Bud, but council has given her an ultimatum after complaints from neighbours.
A Queensland woman is facing a hefty $2875 fine unless she rehomes her pet bird which according to council guidelines is "too big" for her property.
Sue Mariner moved from Sydney to Bribie Island last year with her Alexandrine Parakeet named Bud, but her neighbours haven't enjoyed the bird's company quite like Ms Mariner has.
"I was shocked when the ranger came out and informed me [the bird was too loud], so I now keep him inside as not to [annoy] the neighbours," she told Yahoo News Australia. She claims Moreton Bay Council gave her an ultimatum — find a new home for Bud within 14 days, or cop the heavy fine.
Noise complaints from neighbours
The problem, it seems, is Bud's morning routine which involves getting some fresh air outside, she told A Current Affair on Wednesday. Once there, he "talks to the other birds" which has led to noise complaints from neighbours.
When the ranger appeared on her doorstep and looked at her feathered companion, she was allegedly told he was "too big" for her lot. According to Moreton Bay Regional Council, the bird is in the same category as a large parrot, cockatoos and galahs and therefore she isn't allowed to be kept on a property smaller than 1000 square metres.
Ms Mariner said she was "completely shocked" when she learned of the rule which she struggled to understand. "I went and had a look on (the) Moreton Bay (Council's) rules and regulations. You can have 40 pigeons in your backyard or three chickens, but I can't have one Bud," she said. "He's smaller than a pigeon."
Council explains rule on pet birds
In a statement to Yahoo, Moreton Bay Council said "council regulates based on complaints" and there have been many complaints from residents about "large parrots" in the past.
"The smaller birds such as pigeons are comparatively far less frequent due to their quiet nature," a spokesperson said. "Many large parrots are known to be raucous and loud with piercing screeches and screams. As a result, Council does not permit large parrots on properties that are 1000 m2 or less".
Resident warns others of 'insane' rule
The Bribie Island resident posted about her ordeal on social media, and has received so many "great responses" from lots of people, she told Yahoo. "To all you bird owners out there on Bribie, if you own a bird that’s bigger than a cockatiel and your property is less than 1000 sq metres you can’t have that bird on your property," she wrote.
Other locals agreed the rule was "insane" and "savage". Another said it's "absolutely disgraceful". The council has now given her three months to find a new home for Bud, but she's "not sure" what she'll do or where he'll live.
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